Dan’s Daily Notebook: Islanders, Flames Possible Trade for Panarin

With the Pittsburgh Penguins again floundering, their division rivals and Eastern Conference playoff bubble competitors are both playing well and sniffing around big-name talent according to credible NHL trade rumors. It could be interesting if the Penguins “big” addition of Nick Bjugstad doesn’t solidify the Penguins third line–especially if Bjugstad goes back to Crosby’s right wing.

The New York Islanders will be an impossible team to track. GM Lou Lamoriello is famously secretive. He once threatened a GM during a draft day trade–(paraphrasing) “if I hear anyone break this story before it gets to the podium, I’ll cancel the deal.”

However, there more than a little belief the Islanders could be looking at Artemi Panarin. Competing reports say Boston and Nashville kicked the tires but had sticker shock. But the Islanders could make the move which would allow them to offer Panarin the eight-year contract. But it won’t be cheap (The Athletic)

The best thing that could happen for the Penguins is Columbus keeps both Bobrovsky and Panarin for a playoff run. Assuming, of course, the Penguins make the playoffs.

Steve Simmons says Toronto and Tampa Bay have serious interest in Wayne Simmonds. I have no idea how either team manages their cap, but a Simmonds get for either would be huge. Literally and figuratively.

Both Leafs and Lightning have big interest in Wayne Simmonds. Prob other teams too. It’s tough time for Philly GM Chuck Fletcher who would like to sell off some assets but team is red hot right now.

Adam Henrique has been added to TSN’s Trade Bait board. Watching the Anaheim Ducks crumble has been painful. Henrique just signed a five-year deal but Montreal has been watching the Ducks, intensely. And, we know Jim Rutherford and Bob Murray have each other on speed dial if the Penguins decide they need a third line center because they want Bjugstad on the wing (TSN)

Bob McKenzie during one of his radio hits also said clarity is coming to Matt Duchene and Mark Stone situations. (Nichols on Hockey)

When did a loser point against a non-playoff team become a good thing for the Penguins? They’re just three points ahead of Carolina for the final playoff spot and are not giving good efforts. That’s not good enough. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

The NHL Trade Market is a murky place right now. Teams which were driving the talks, St. Louis, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, have all pulled back. Dallas has also gone quiet and the New York Rangers seem to be in a “show me” mode–Recent heavy interactions with Colorado did not bear fruit.